Australian Red Cross Rediplan

Carolyn welcomed everyone for the last time as president and completed the AGM in next to no time.

She then introduced Dean and Stephanie from Australian Red Cross who had joined us for the evening to explain all the benefits of being prepared for an emergency.

The reality is that emergencies do happen! Dean explained that 1:3 of us would experience an emergency at some time, and that having an emergency RediPlan already prepared and in place, would help you protect what matters most.

The first step was to sit down and think about it. Consider what in fact constitutes an emergency and think about what that might mean for you.

You should consider your surroundings, these days we are all aware of the risks that bushfires and floods present, but emergencies do not always come in such easily identified packages.

We needed to get connected, and we needed to get organised, because when asked what the one thing is you would save in an emergency, your new Mirca sander is the wrong answer!

Dean was very well organised and showed us what he had packed in his emergency bag and in many of the suggestions he put forward, you could see that we were all thinking “That’s a good idea” or alternatively “Now where did I put that policy?”

They distributed copies of their “RediPlan” booklet to everyone, which was full of all the suggestions that he had talked about, and I am sure we will all read carefully once we get home and think hard about what we need to do to be better prepared.

You can find all the details and more information here: redcross.org.au/prepare

Having been involved in lots of planning in the past, I thought you might like the notice I keep above my desk as a reminder!

Then it was time for tea or coffee and to inspect the timber that Len had brought with him, remember if you are looking for some Jarrah, you can reach him at mail@lasersharp.com.au

Next it was time for another talk in our series of “Our Woodwork” with Robert Rankin talking to us about how he got involved in woodwork.

“I was introduced to woodwork and metalwork at high school, but didn’t take it seriously until I got married and

bought an old cottage which needed extensive work! (it had no kitchen and needed new bathroom, etc)

Needing more help, I enrolled in woodworking classes at the local high school and where I learnt basic joints etc, I had a good teacher to start with and finding a mentor can be a great help.

I built up all my tools as needed, buying a triton Mk. 11 saw table, so that I could cut straight. 

I sought out help from the carpenters at work and found people were really happy to assist. 

We managed to rebuild the cottage and then bought a “normal “ house.

I continued to pursue my woodwork in tin shed for many years, cold and wet in winter and boiling in summer. 

Eventually I managed to build a workshop off the main house which even allowed for full sheets to be turned over on their edge. 

I built a series of workbenches over the years, from rough and ready, to my current “final” two Indonesian hardwood bench’s, solid, heavy and both with a system of dog holes and vices etc.

As my woodworking improved, I got more inspiration from woodworking magazines, Australian,  American and English. 

Because I did all my woodworking by myself, attending the annual wood show, was the highlight of the year.

The biggest change was many years ago, when a FWWA member invited me along to a club meeting, which to me was a revelation.

The camaraderie, friendship, and the sharing of ideas at the club, has increased my enjoyment of woodworking beyond anything I could have imagined when I started out in my wood working journey all those years ago.”

Great talk Robert and many thanks for giving us an insight into your journey and more than a few of us will be jealous of those benches!

Well, this is my last report as FWWA secretary, and I have really enjoyed keeping you entertained for the past four years.

I will be continuing on the committee to support the new team and see what different ideas we can come up with to make sure you are all kept busy.

My thanks must go to the existing committee for their help and support during my time as office bearer and particularly Carolyn for severely beating me whenever I got out of line!